The Gigogne Flap: An Original Technique for an Optimal Pulp Reconstruction

Abstract

The reconstruction of digital pulp defects is still a challenge in hand surgery. Several reconstructive techniques are available, but in some cases, their advancement capacities are not sufficient for the flap to cover the whole defect. The Gigogne flap is a new, very simple and safe technique. It consists of harvesting two cutaneous flaps successively on the same neurovascular digital palmar bundle. The first plasty may be chosen among the well-known flaps usually applied in pulp reconstruction. The second plasty, the Gigogne flap, is an advancement VY plasty done on the main cutaneous paddle of the first proximal flap. We performed 15 Gigogne flaps in 13 patients, who suffered zone II and III digital pulp amputations. The Gigogne flap increased the advancement capacity of the proximal flap as well as restoring the physiological pulp fatty pad, thus reconstructing a functional and aesthetic fingertip.